Others seemed about to fall.

There was fire all round him, and the whole corridor seemed on the point of leaping into flame.
Hodge lifted Merry's unconscious form and faced the fire.

A groan came from Merriwell's lips.

Bart looked into the white face and saw a bloody lump on the side of Merry's head.

That face appealed to him as if for protection from the fire.
In spite of his many faults, Bart Hodge held for Frank Merriwell the love of a strong and manly heart.